Using Enhanced Flight-Vision Systems (EFVS) for low-visibility taxi in transport category aircraft

Conference paper (2019)

Authors

D.B. Beringer FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
A.L. Sparko U.S. DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
J.M. Jaworski Cherokee CRC, LLC
Copyright: © 2019 the author(s)
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Published Date

07-05-2019

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Abstract

Two studies (using Boeing 777 and 737 simulators) examined flight crews’ use of an Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) for low-visibility taxi operations. Twenty-five flight crews completed 21 short taxi scenarios under combinations of the following: Runway visual range (RVR: 300, 500, and 1000 ft); EFVS on head-up display (on/off); Airport infrastructure - 3 levels. The use of EFVS produced fewer route deviations, most at 300 feet RVR with edge lights and standard centerline or routes with LVO/SMGCS “enhancements” (without centerline lights). Larger turn angles and lower visibilities were associated with slower rates of travel. Crews detected the obstacle on the right-side most of the time and twice that of the left-side obstacle. Regardless of EFVS, crews had more route deviations on larger (>90 degrees) turns and right turns, possibly from loss of visual references in the turn. Recommendations are provided regarding benefits and limitations of EFVS for low-visibility taxi with suggestions for additional research.